Study Shows One in Five U.S. Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan Has PTSD
According to the latest Pentagon study, released in April 2010, nearly 20 percent—or one in five returning war veterans—reported symptoms of PTSD or major depression. The study also reports that approximately one-half of them sought treatment.

Major Depressive Episode and Treatment for Depression among Veterans Aged 21-39
Recent research indicates that an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have reported symptoms of a mental disorder or cognitive condition. Untreated mental health problems can result in long-term negative consequences for the affected individuals, their families, their communities and our nation as a whole.

Clarence Jordan’s Remarks at Press Conference
NAMI Board member Clarence Jordan presents remarks at APA Press Conference on mental health and veterans, April 30, 2008.

Wounds of War
A study showed that almost 300,000 in the armed forces were affected by mental illness in 2008.

Military Attitudes Towards Mental Illness
In 2007 NAMI protested the U.S. Army’s treatment of 1st Lieutenant Elizabeth Whiteside, who was going to be court-martialed endangering another soldier and turning a gun on herself in a suicide attempt during a psychiatric breakdown.

National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report
Substance abuse is a recognized mental health concern among veterans. A report by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health cites higher uses of alcohol and cigarettes among veterans, in addition to higher rates of driving under the influence.

UCSF and San Francisco VA Medical Center Study
A study conducted in San Francisco released on 3/12/07 found that nearly a third of veterans studied who sought care through the Department of Veterans Affairs between 2001 and 2005 were diagnosed with mental health or psychosocial disorders.